Believed to be the only picture of
Captain James Allen
Picture Previously thought to be James Allen
Attached is what is believed to be the only known photograph (daguerreotype) of Captain James Allen of Mormon Battalion fame. More research is needed, but the (previous) photograph (that was) on the Mormon Battalion website (was) of James Allen, a captain that served with an Ohio regiment of volunteers during the Civil War.
I'm not sure if you are the right person to send this information to. If not, perhaps you would be so kind as to forward the image to the correct individual or your web master. I, personally, believe it to be authentic. In any case, the current photo on the Mormon Battalion website is incorrect.
Below is how I discovered this photograph. Retired Army Colonel Sherman Fleek is preparing a book on the military aspects of the Mormon Battalion, entitled "History May Search In Vain . . "
Thank You,
Val Halford
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Well Folks and Friends
As some of you know, my good friend Val Halford brought to my attention a week or so ago, this website (Dr. Lindquist) linked to the Mormon Battalion Inc. website of a photo of Captain James Allen. Since then I called Carl Larson who is a presiding officer of the MB Inc. group and he was unsure himself if this picture was of the real James Allen. He told me that for years this image was in the Sons of the Utah Pioneers' building. Carl is a thorough historian and if he has doubts, they are well warranted. I don't think there is a person alive who has done more for the memory of the MB and knows more about the MB than Carl Larson. I give credit to the MB Inc. for all the great work they have performed and their perseverance over the years.
Well, I contacted the Iowa State Historical Society as you will read below and they verified it was James Allen, 1st US Dragoons. I still felt the image was too clear, too modern for 1846 and that the fellow looked too young for Captain Allen as a 40 year old man. So, today I received this answer from Iowa. I have more faith that this image could be our James Allen. I just wonder if some photo image expert could evaluate the original image on record at Iowa and really determine its authenticity. What do you folks think? Am I being too overly concerned?
I made a special trip to West Point in 2000 to see Allen's personal file hoping to find an image. I wrote the Madison County, Indiana, historical society to gain any information on Capt Allen, since that was his home of record when appointed to USMA. They had nothing there.
Best regards! This is extremely exciting to me.
Sherman